Australian supermarket chain Drakes has turned to workers from Vanuatu to keep its operations running, highlighting the Pacific nation’s growing role in filling critical labour gaps across Australia.

Drakes director JP Drake revealed that his company now relies heavily on Ni-Vanuatu employees at its Adelaide distribution centre, describing their contribution as “unbelievable.”

“I’m importing people from Vanuatu because I can’t get workers to work in my site,” Mr Drake said.

“Their work ethic is amazing. They act as a family, as a tribe, and work as a team. They’re smiling, they’re happy — they just get on with it.”

Mr Drake noted that despite offering benefits such as a gym and free daily meals, many Australians have declined job opportunities. By contrast, Vanuatu workers, brought in under seasonal and work visa programs, have stepped up to fill those vacancies.

Other major employers, including Perfection Fresh, one of Australia’s largest fresh produce suppliers, are also drawing on Vanuatu’s labour force. Mr Drake observed that “three-quarters” of staff at some facilities are recruited from Pacific nations, with Vanuatu workers among the most valued.

Australia’s reliance on Ni-Vanuatu workers reflects a broader trend. As businesses struggle to find local employees, Pacific labour mobility schemes are becoming increasingly important to both Australia’s economy and Vanuatu’s development, with remittances playing a vital role for families back home.

While national debate in Australia continues over unemployment and immigration, for many employers, the solution is clear: Vanuatu’s workforce is keeping the system afloat.

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Disclaimer

This article is a rewritten version of the original piece titled “People don’t want to work: Drakes boss importing workers because Aussies won’t apply”, published on news.com.au on August 18, 2025. The content has been adapted and localized to highlight the role of Vanuatu workers in Australia’s labor market. The views and opinions expressed in the original article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this adaptation.